Augochloropsis metallica
This record describes Augochloropsis metallica (species). Recorded family: Halictidae. Recorded order: Hymenoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Green metallic tegulae; the posterior inner margins project inward. Typical halictine mouthparts: long prementum and short tongue and labial palpi
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera (Ants, Bees, Wasps and Sawflies)
- Superfamily
- Trigonaloidea
- Family
- Halictidae (Sweat, Furrow, Nomiine, and Short-faced Bees)
- Subfamily
- Halictinae
- Tribe
- Augochlorini
- Genus
- Augochloropsis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
USA: Maine to Florida, west to Arizona, northeast to South Dakota. Mex. to Panama. Map (Discover Life)
Seasonal Activity
March to November
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Visits flowers from several families. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Augochloropsis (Paraugochloropsis) metallica (Fabricius, 1793) Common name references the specific epithet, with the group name referencing the modified tegulae (epaulettes) characteristic of the genus
About Flies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hymenoptera, the group containing Augochloropsis metallica. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hymenoptera includes over 150,000 described species of ants, bees, wasps, and sawflies. Earth harbors approximately 20 quadrillion (20×10^15) ants, with a combined biomass of ~12 megatons of dry carbon - exceeding the combined biomass of all wild birds and mammals (PNAS, 2022).
Ecological role of the group
About 35% of the world's food crops depend on animal pollinators. The chocolate industry, valued at over $100 billion, depends on pollinating flies and midges. Ants are the dominant soil engineers in most terrestrial ecosystems, turning more soil than earthworms in many habitats.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Pollinators contribute $235-577 billion worth of annual global food production (FAO). In the U.S., bee pollination alone benefits crops valued at $18 billion annually, and honey bees are responsible for $5.4 billion in agricultural productivity. Between April 2023-2024, 55.1% of managed honey bee colonies were lost. The U.S. bee population dropped from 5 million to 2.5 million.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, USDA, EPA, PNAS (2022), US Fish & Wildlife Service. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Augochloropsis metallica (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by tom murray; Additional contributions by john and jane balaban , Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , John S. Ascher , KenW , hg , PaleoJon , Nathaniel Green
Frequently Asked Questions About Augochloropsis metallica
What is Augochloropsis metallica?
Augochloropsis metallica is a species in the family Halictidae, within the order Hymenoptera.
How big is Augochloropsis metallica?
9 mm
How do you identify Augochloropsis metallica?
Green metallic tegulae; the posterior inner margins project inward. Typical halictine mouthparts: long prementum and short tongue and labial palpi
Where is Augochloropsis metallica found?
Range: USA: Maine to Florida, west to Arizona, northeast to South Dakota. Mex. to Panama. Map (Discover Life)
What does Augochloropsis metallica eat?
The diet of the Augochloropsis metallica includes Visits flowers from several families. The Hosts section on its Discover Life species page lists known floral associations based on specimen records and images..
When is Augochloropsis metallica active?
Augochloropsis metallica: seasonal activity - March to November.